WEST Coast's players don't like being labelled 'mummy's boys' but skipper Shannon Hurn admits the Eagles can't defend themselves from the criticism after another capitulation in Melbourne.
Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown slammed the Eagles following their shocking round five loss to Hawthorn at the MCG, and respected journalist Mike Sheahan raised the ugly 'mummy's boys' tag again on his regular SEN radio spot after Sunday's insipid effort against Essendon.
"We certainly don't like it, but if we're going to put in performances like that you open yourself up for that type of comment," Hurn said.
"You don't want that to be the case, but the fact is that our best to our worst is such a big difference.
"If that wasn't the case, that wouldn't be getting spoken about."
Hurn was in the firing line at Monday's press conference, and conceded the Eagles' senior players had to wear a large chunk of the blame for the Essendon debacle.
Coach Adam Simpson has repeatedly put the heat on his leaders, and did so again after the Bombers booted 10 unanswered goals in the first half and romped to a 61-point triumph.
"We've been talking about that (shifting momentum) for probably the last 18 months," Hurn said.
"But talk is cheap, pretty much. You've got to make sure you're doing it yourself (with) contested ball, intent.
"Everyone can do it, but certainly the senior blokes are the ones that have got to do it more consistently."
The Eagles' inconsistent mindset and intent when playing interstate has been a major headache for Simpson.
West Coast is unbeaten at home this year, but has now gone down in three of four games in Melbourne - suffering blowouts against the Hawks and Dons - with Hurn admitting the players had to become mentally tougher.
"Probably, yeah, because at the moment when it's going well, we're going all right, and then when we can't get the game on our terms it's not quite working," he said.
"I think that's the case with every AFL team, but the best ones don't let that happen for a long period of time."
Hurn believed Simpson was hard enough on his players behind closed doors and said the Eagles' travel routine would again be put under scrutiny.
West Coast allowed some older players who are fathers to travel a day later than the rest of the squad ahead of the gritty win over Port Adelaide and before Sunday's loss.
Despite the defeat, the Eagles held onto a top-four spot ahead of a huge clash against second-placed GWS on Sunday at Domain Stadium – when the Eagles' response will be put under the microscope.
"Most of the time we've reacted pretty well," Hurn said. "But you don't want to have to be put under pressure to react."
Simpson forecast several changes for the Giants clash, with veteran recruit Drew Petrie appearing set for a recall, and the Eagles will be sweating on Sharrod Wellingham's fitness with the defender set for scans on his sore ankle.
